Small businesses in the vicinity of last month's fire that has crippled large parts of Sauchiehall Street should be given emergency rates relief to help them through the extended rebuilding process, a campaign group has said.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has written to Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken making the case for an emergency relief scheme for firms in the vicinity. Given the extent of the damage, the group is also questioning whether the Glasgow City Deal should be overhauled as a result.

It has already been decided that much of the block on Sauchiehall Street will have to be demolished as a result of the fire, which is believed to have started on the upper floors of Victoria's nightclub. Access to this particular area will be restricted for some time, with traffic and pedestrian diversions in place for at least the next two months.

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The FSB is therefore also arguing for additional signage to highlight which places are open for business - and how to get there - in an effort to boost footfall for traders facing disruption.

"Sauchiehall Street is one of Glasgow's main business thoroughfares, with hundreds of businesses located either on or near this world-famous street," said Martin Little, leader of FSB in Glasgow. "Therefore, like many other Glaswegians, I was shocked at the extent of the damage that the recent fire did to such an important part of our city.

"As the area gets back on its feet, we accept that some disruption is unavoidable - and that public safety should be of paramount importance.

"However, given the economic significance of this part of the city centre, I've written to the council leader to ask if Glasgow City Council could consider measures to mitigate the impact on local firms, and to ensure that the area is a great place to do business in the years to come."

Speaking further about the council's longer-term vision for that part of town, Little added: "We need to ask whether the projects in the works are now the right priorities, given the difficult circumstances.

"No matter what, the council and city decision-makers need to work in partnership with the local business community."